NARAL Blasts Republican Convention Platform on Abortion

The abortion-rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America today blasted anti-abortion language in the Republican Party's platform. And the group's president, Nancy Keenan, called on the Romney/Ryan ticket to "disavow" the language.

"Voters are tired of the kind of divisive anti-choice policies that the Republican party has pledged to support," Keenan said in a statement. "Voters are looking for a leader who respects women's freedom and privacy. It's time for Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan to take a real stand on behalf of women."

The Republican platform committee endorsed a constitutional amendment banning abortion. It does not give an exemption for terminating pregnancies that result from rape or incest.

The GOP convention will vote on the full platform, which includes policy issues from foreign affairs to education, next week.

The platform language comes amid a controversy over comments Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) made regarding abortions in cases of rape.

The GOP Senate candidate said in an interview that women's bodies are able to prevent pregnancies if a "legitimate" rape occurs. Akin has since apologized for his comments. He has refused to drop out of the race despite a flurry of entreaties from national Republican leaders.

The Romney campaign distanced itself from Akin's comments.

"Gov. Romney and Congressman Ryan disagree with Mr. Akin's statement, and a Romney-Ryan administration would not oppose abortion in instances of rape," a campaign statement read.

In her statement about the GOP platform, Keenan added: "Regardless of their campaign statements, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan represent a party with an extreme anti-choice platform that would deny women access to abortion even in cases of rape or incest."